Abstract: A method for the detection of hydrocarbon contamination in a sample is disclosed. The method includes contacting a sample with a molecular probe. The molecular probe has a photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive. The photoluminescence from the molecular probe is collected. The method includes determining whether the photoluminescence is indicative of a hydrocarbon contaminated sample. A test strip for the detection of hydrocarbon contamination in a sample is also disclosed. The test strip includes a molecular probe embedded in a substrate and/or immobilized to the substrate, the molecular probe having a photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive to hydrocarbon contaminated sample.

Abstract: A method for the detection of adulterated gasoline in a sample is disclosed. The method includes contacting a sample with an immobilized molecular probe, the immobilized molecular probe having a photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive; collecting the photoluminescence from the immobilized molecular probe; and determining whether the photoluminescence is indicative of adulterated gasoline. A test strip for the detection of adulterated gasoline in a sample is also disclosed, including an immobilized molecular probe embedded in a substrate and/or immobilized to the substrate, the immobilized molecular probe having photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive to adulterated gasoline. The method and test strips are designed to be robust, portable, and within the capabilities of untrained personnel.

Abstract: A method for detection of an adulterated diesel fuel in a sample is disclosed. The method includes contacting a sample with a molecular probe, the molecular probe having a photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive; collecting the photoluminescence from the molecular probe; and determining whether the photoluminescence is indicative of adulterated diesel fuel. A test strip for the detection of adulterated diesel fuel in a sample is disclosed, comprising a molecular probe embedded in a substrate and/or immobilized to the substrate, the molecular probe having a photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive to adulterated diesel fuel. The method and test strips are designed to be robust, portable, and within the capabilities of untrained personnel.

Abstract: A method for the detection of hydrocarbon contamination in a sample is disclosed. The method includes contacting a sample with a molecular probe. The molecular probe has a photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive. The photoluminescence from the molecular probe is collected. The method includes determining whether the photoluminescence is indicative of a hydrocarbon contaminated sample. A test strip for the detection of hydrocarbon contamination in a sample is also disclosed. The test strip includes a molecular probe embedded in a substrate and/or immobilized to the substrate, the molecular probe having a photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive to hydrocarbon contaminated sample.

Abstract: A method for the detection of adulterated gasoline in a sample is disclosed. The method includes contacting a sample with an immobilized molecular probe, the immobilized molecular probe having a photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive; collecting the photoluminescence from the immobilized molecular probe; and determining whether the photoluminescence is indicative of adulterated gasoline. A test strip for the detection of adulterated gasoline in a sample is also disclosed, including an immobilized molecular probe embedded in a substrate and/or immobilized to the substrate, the immobilized molecular probe having photoluminescence which is environmentally sensitive to adulterated gasoline. The method and test strips are designed to be robust, portable, and within the capabilities of untrained personnel.

Abstract: A copper-zinc alloy having the following composition (in % by weight): from 67.0 to 69.0% of Cu, from 0.4 to 0.6% of Si, from 1.2 to 1.6% of Mn, from 0.03 to 0.06% of P, optionally up to a maximum of 0.5% of Al, optionally up to a maximum of 0.15% of Ni, optionally up to a maximum of 0.1% of Fe, optionally up to a maximum of 0.1% of Pb, optionally up to a maximum of 0.08% of Sn, optionally up to a maximum of 0.1% of S, balance Zn and unavoidable impurities. The alloy has a microstructure which consists of an ?-phase matrix in which inclusions of manganese silicides having a globular shape are present in a proportion of at least 2% by volume and not more than 5% by volume.

Abstract: A copper-zinc alloy having the following composition (in % by weight): from 67.0 to 69.0% of Cu, from 0.4 to 0.6% of Si, from 1.2 to 1.6% of Mn, from 0.03 to 0.06% of P, optionally up to a maximum of 0.5% of Al, optionally up to a maximum of 0.15% of Ni, optionally up to a maximum of 0.1% of Fe, optionally up to a maximum of 0.1% of Pb, optionally up to a maximum of 0.08% of Sn, optionally up to a maximum of 0.1% of S, balance Zn and unavoidable impurities. The alloy has a microstructure which consists of an ?-phase matrix in which inclusions of manganese silicides having a globular shape are present in a proportion of at least 2% by volume and not more than 5% by volume.

Abstract: A storage stable adhesive paste composition is described. It contains a plurality of first solid particles comprising a surface protected polyisocyanate and a plurality of second solid particles of polymer having functional groups that react with the polyisocyanate. The particles may be protected by encapsulation in a layer of a material that is not reactive to the polyisocyanate. Preferably, the protective layer also is not reactive to the polymer having functional groups that react with the polyisocyanate. The polyisocyanate particles also can be protected by a layer formed by chemically reacting said polyisocyanate particles with isocyanate reactive compounds to form a protective surface layer around said polyisocyanate particles.

Abstract: A storage stable adhesive paste composition is described. It contains a plurality of first solid particles comprising a surface protected polyisocyanate and a plurality of second solid particles of polymer having functional groups that react with the polyisocyanate. The particles may be protected by encapsulation in a layer of a material that is not reactive to the polyisocyanate. Preferably, the protective layer also is not reactive to the polymer having functional groups that react with the polyisocyanate. The polyisocyanate particles also can be protected by a layer formed by chemically reacting said polyisocyanate particles with isocyanate reactive compounds to form a protective surface layer around said polyisocyanate particles.